Choosing a Planted Aquarium Substrate
Published March 06, 2008
- RSS/XML Feed 
By Robert Lashlee
If you are going to keep live plants in your tank, substrate choice is very important. This is because many plant species draw their nutrients from the substrate. If you ask around, you will probably find that there are as many different substrates used as stars in the sky. Many people swear by certain combinations or layering methods with various substrates. This article cannot go into every single possibility nor can it discuss the substrate choices for every species of plant. Each plant has different requirements and it is important that you know these requirements before setting up your aquarium.
What this article will do is point you in the direction of some common substrate aspects so you have a place to begin. You can then either stick with what works or experiment with your own combinations.
It should first be pointed out that not all plants require you to think about your substrate in great detail. You can successfully have a low-light tank without having to take the substrate into consideration. This is because many of the plants that survive in low light (such as Java Fern and Java Moss) are actually attached to the décor and not rooted in the substrate. Also, some plants could care less what substrate they are planted in because they obtain very little nutrition from their roots. However, this article will assume you are using plants that do extract their nutrients via their root system.
Price
The cost of the substrate is an important factor in your selection, especially if you have a large aquarium (the cost can add up fast). However, you will get what you pay for. You can choose to use gravel or some other cheap alternative, but many serious plant aquarists use substrates specifically formulated for plant growth. Examples include Fluorite and Eco-Complete. These products will provide your plants with a constant supply of iron, a very important nutrient in their growth. The main drawback to these products, however, is their expense. However, many people will tell you that the price is worth it.
Cheap substitutes such as kitty litter, dirt, or potting soil are not recommended for aquarium use. Some people do use these products with success, but more often than not, they lead to disaster. The first problem is that there is no uniformity to these products so you do not know if the substrate you put in last year is the same as this year. Secondly, they may contain harmful chemicals that can make your aquarium toxic. Lastly, these products can create a mess in your aquarium if a plant gets uprooted, for example.
One way you can cut costs is to mix substrates. For instance, you can provide a layer of the expensive stuff and then put layers of sand or gravel on top of it.
Particle Size
The particle size of your substrate is very important. It cannot be too small or the substrate will compact and the small roots will not be able to grow properly. It cannot be too large or a great deal of debris will be trapped inside it.
Gravel can be used as a substrate, but it should be the finer grained gravel (2-3 mm particle size) and you will need to fertilize it (typically with root tabs that you push into the substrate near a plant’s roots) since the gravel itself will not provide any nutrients. Also, a layer of peat or Laterite under the gravel is advisable to provide some nutrients. However, be careful not to disturb the top gravel layer as the bottom layer products can cause algae problems if leached into the water column.
Reactivity to Water
It is important for most plants that your substrate be inert. This is because most will thrive in a neutral environment. Therefore, substrates such as crushed coral or substrates that contain shells should be avoided. If you are in doubt then take some of your substrate and pour hydrochloric acid over it; if it bubbles or fizzes, it is not inert.
Aesthetic Qualities
The same principles apply to a planted tank as to a non-planted one. Darker substrates will make the plant colors stand out while lighter substrates will tend to wash the colors out. Keep this in mind when making your selection.
Anchors Well
It is important that your substrate remains anchored to the bottom of the tank and is able to hold your plants in place. You do not want your plants to be floating up to the surface (unless this is your intention) nor do you want your substrate to be floating around your tank. If you do choose a substrate that does not remain at the bottom of your tank, you can put a layer of gravel or sand on top to keep it anchored down.
Depth
The depth of your substrate is important as it will dictate how much room your plants’ roots have to grow. Typically, you want to slope your gravel or build terraces with deeper substrate in the rear (5” or so) and shallower substrate in the front (3” or so). This not only provides the illusion of depth in your aquarium, but it also allows you to accommodate a wide range of plant sizes.
Conclusion
There are literally hundreds of choices that you can use for your planted aquarium’s substrate. This article is meant to provide a general introduction that will enable you to jump into your own experimentation. Using the points addressed in this article, try various combinations and just see what works best. Also, remember to carefully research your specific plants so you know where they get their nutrients from.
As a final note, with most substrates (especially the ones specifically formulated for plant growth) it is important that you rinse them before adding them to your aquarium. They can contain a large amount of dust and you do not want to introduce this mess to your tank.
Further Reading
For additional information, refer to the following web pages:
Read Related Freshwater Aquarium Articles
- All About Tropical Fish Tanks
- An overview of tropical fish tanks, what they are, and the pros/cons of keeping one.
- Planted Aquariums
- An overview of the different styles of planted aquariums. Different types of plants you could use. Popular plants.
- Setting up a Freshwater Fish Tank
- Information on choosing a fish tank and how to set-one up!
- Choosing a Freshwater Aquarium Substrate
- Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your freshwater aquarium.
- Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Aquarium
- Learn about the different types of filters for your freshwater aquarium.
- Properly Aerating Your Aquarium
- Learn the basics of aeration and how to properly aerate your aquarium.
- Adding Rocks and Wood to Your Freshwater Aquarium
- Learn about the things you should consider when adding rocks and wood to your aquarium.
- Aquarium Decorations
- Types of decorations. Tips on decorating your tank. Online sources
- Heating Your Freshwater Aquarium
- Learn about different heater options for your fish tank.
- The Process of Cycling a Fish Tank
- What is "cycling" your fish tank? Why is it important? Instructions for how to do-it.
- Freshwater Fishless Cycling
- Learn about new methods for cycling your freshwater aquarium without fish.
- What Are Good Freshwater Fish For Beginners
- What makes a freshwater fish a good candidate for beginners?
- Stocking Fresh Water Fish Tanks
- Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your freshwater aquarium.
- Acclimating Fish - Drip Method
- Learn how to properly acclimate your fish to your aquarium using the drip method.
- Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium
- Learn how about pH and how to properly maintain it in a freshwater aquarium.
- The Natural Environments of African and South American Cichlids
- Learn about and how to recreate the natural environments of African and South American Cichlids
- Cichlid Aggression - How to Reduce Aggression
- Learn about the causes of cichlid aggression and methods for reducing it.
- Common Freshwater Tropical Fish Diseases
- Learn about common fish illnesses and how to effectively treat them.
- Breeding Freshwater Fish
- Learn how to succesfully breed freshwater fish.
- Breeding Mouth Brooding African Cichlids
- Learn how to succesfully breed mouth brooding African Cichlids.
- Controlling Algae Growth
- Learn why algae grows in your tank and how to control it.
- Using Carbon in a Freshwater Aquarium
- Learn about the differing points of view and guidelines on using carbon in your aquarium.
- Fish Tank Maintenance and Cleaning
- Tips and instructions for maintaining a healthy fish tank.
- Choosing and Conditioning the Water in Your Aquarium
- Learn about how to properly choose and condition the water you use in your freshwater aquarium.
- Water Testing in Your Freshwater Aquarium
- How to test your aquarium's water, and what to look for.
- Keeping Goldfish
- Advice on keeping Goldfish.
- Fish Bowls
- An overview of keeping fish in a fish bowl. A brief history. Pros and cons.
- Wall Mounted Fish Tanks
- Advantages and disadvantages to a Wall Mounted Fish Tank. Installation. Accessories.
- Freshwater Fish Article Database
- Articles on dozens of different freshwater fish and appropriate care.
- Freshwater Plant Article Database
- Articles on different freshwater plants and appropriate care. Article Categories:
- General Aquarium Articles (4 articles)
- Saltwater Aquarium Articles (22 articles)
- Miscellaneous Aquarium Articles (10 articles)
- Product Reviews (Freshwater) (2 articles)
- Product Review (Saltwater) (1 article)
- Recommended Books (6 articles)
Member Tanks
Description:
Half-iwagumi
Description:
this is the last layout in this tank (Juwel rio180) i am waiting for the current glosso carpet to fill out before posting the current pic. but for the time being here it is with a riccia carpet.
Description:
72 Gallon Bowfront, hardwater plants
Description:
120 aqua one alloy , 4 x 54 watt t5, red sea flora base substrate, jbl profi set 2 co2 set
Description:
tank size 120 x 45 x 65 lighting 8 x 36 watt T8 Fluorescent filtration Eheim 2217 Plus CO2 pressure controlled by pH changes. Micro and macro elements(DIY) added 3 times weekly A routine of a 50% water change every week